The present invention is a waste pick-up and storage device for scooping solid and semi-solid pet waste. The device includes a bag portion and a scoop portion. In an embodiment, two scoops scoop the pet waste into the bag. In an embodiment, a portion of the scoop is detachable, and another portion is secured to the bag for providing support. The scoop is used to sweep the pet waste into the bag. The scoop portions can serve as handles of the device. In an embodiment, the device can be single-handed. The device can have a receptacle, a cover rotatably attached to the receptacle, and wherein the cover has a handle attached to a surface opposite the base of the receptacle. The waste pick-up and storage device is foldable to be flat, and can be made from a combination of flexible materials for the bag, and inflexible materials for the scoop.
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1. A waste pick-up and storage device comprising:
a receptacle capable of being folded flat, having an opening, a bottom, a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, each side having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first side and the second side are situated opposite each other and are each taller than the third side and the fourth side;
a first panel positioned on at least part of the inner surface of the first side such that a portion of the first panel extends beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side and the portion of the first panel extending beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side is not attached to the inner surface of the first side;
a second panel positioned on at least part of the inner surface of the second side such that a portion of the second panel extends beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side and the portion of the second panel extending beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side is not attached to the inner surface of the second side;
wherein the third side and the fourth side each has a first crease, a second crease, and a third crease such that when folded form a “v” shape, the bottom of the “v” being closer to the bottom of the receptacle;
and wherein edges of the first and second panel have chamfer cuts such that the cuts fit in the “v” shape formed by the first, second, and third creases.
2. The waste pick-up and storage device of
3. The waste pick-up and storage device of
4. The waste pick-up and storage device of
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This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 13/829,610, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “Waste Pick-up and Storage Device,”, U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 13/830,426, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “Waste Pick-up and Storage Device,” and U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 13/830,544, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “Waste Pick-up and Storage Device,” each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a device for picking up and storing solid and semi-solid objects, and more specifically relates to the pick-up and storage of pet waste.
Containers and devices for picking up and storing objects can be designed in a plethora of ways to accommodate varying needs. Storage containers isolate its contents from the environment and assist in the storage and transport of objects. Likewise, pick-up devices such as brooms and scoops, developed from a need to avoid touching unsanitary objects or those that are difficult to pick up. An efficient and easy-to-use device for picking up refuse without soiling the user's hands is integral to human and environmental hygiene. Various devices for containing and storing objects exist, as do devices for sweeping or inserting objects into containers. However, there exist few devices that integrate the functions of containment and scooping. Animal waste is particularly challenging to scoop and store for disposal, especially when garbage disposal is not readily at hand.
Pet owners can take pets to public areas for exercise and leisure. Pets are often trained to relieve themselves outdoors in private or public areas. In urban environments, ordinances require pet owners to remove pet waste from public areas. The pet owner must have a way to scoop and store the pet's waste until a proper garbage disposal is found. Depending on the pet's diet and state of health, its byproduct can be semi-solid. Therefore, there exists a need to pick up and store pet waste for eventual disposal. Such a device would improve hygiene and enhance the pleasure of taking one's pet for a walk.
Devices exist for cleaning up after dogs, for example plastic bags can be inverted to pick up the waste by hand by the user and tied up for storage until proper garbage disposal is found. However, existing methods generally require at least indirect contact with the pet waste and may not be able to pick up all of the pet waste when it is not completely solid. Therefore, there exists a need to pick up and store pet waste without requiring even indirect contact with the waste. There also exists a need to pick up pet waste that is not entirely solid.
The present invention provides for a waste pick-up and storage device that avoids both direct and indirect contact with waste, including semi-solid waste. The device is foldable, closeable, and portable. An embodiment can include a two-handed device and a single-handed device. In an embodiment, a receptacle is provided having two hard surfaces for scooping up waste. In an embodiment, one of the hard surfaces has a portion that is detachable for sweeping the waste into the receptacle. In an embodiment, the receptacle only has a single hard surface, a portion of which is detachable for use as a scoop. The receptacle can be made from a flexible material such as paper or plastic, and the hard surfaces can be made from an at least semi-stiff material such as paperboard. The scoops can have chamfered edges.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device includes receptacle having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening. The waste pick-up and storage device further comprises at least one panel wherein a first portion of the panel is attached to the receptacle such that the panel is rotatable around the opening of the receptacle from a first surface to a second surface. In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device include a flexible receptacle having an opening, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The waste pick-up and storage device comprises a first panel positioned on the outer surface of the receptacle such that a first portion of the first panel extends beyond the opening of the receptacle and a second portion of the first panel overlaps with at least part of the receptacle. The waste pick-up and storage device a second panel positioned approximately opposite the first panel on the outer surface of the receptacle such that a first portion of the second panel extends beyond the opening of the receptacle and a second portion of the second panel overlaps with at least part of the receptacle, wherein the first panel and second panel are attached to the outer surface of the receptacle by respective strips substantially parallel to the opening, the strip forming an axis of rotation about which the first panel and the second panel is rotatable.
In an embodiment, the first portions of the first panel and the second panel each has a cut-out portion and the first panel. The strips by which the first panel and the second panel are respectively attached to the outer surface of the receptacle is located below the cut-out portions. In an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel each has a grip and the first panel and the second panel are each attached to the outer surface of the receptacle below the grip.
In an embodiment, the receptacle is made of plastic. In an embodiment, the receptacle is made of paper. In an embodiment, the waste pick-up and storage device has a portion of the inner surface has an adhesive capable of at least partially sealing the receptacle opening.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device has a flexible receptacle having an opening, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The waste pick-up and storage device has a first panel positioned on the inner surface of the receptacle, the first panel being attached to the receptacle by a first strip such that the first panel is rotatable about the first strip. The waste pick-up and storage device has a second panel positioned on the inner surface of the receptacle, the second panel being attached to the receptacle by a second strip such that the second panel is rotatable about the second strip.
In an embodiment, the flexible receptacle of the waste pick-up and storage device further has at least one handle.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device has a receptacle capable of being folded flat, having an opening, a bottom, a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, each side having an inner surface and an outer surface. The waste pick-up and storage device has the first side and the second side are situation opposite each other and are each taller than the third side and the fourth side. The waste pick-up and storage device has a first panel positioned on at least part of the inner surface of the first side such that a portion of the first panel extends beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side and the portion of the first panel extending beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side is not attached to the inner surface of the first side. The waste pick-up and storage device has a second panel positioned on at least part of the inner surface of the second side such that a portion of the second panel extends beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side and the portion of the second panel extending beyond the end of the third side and the fourth side is not attached to the inner surface of the second side. The waste pick-up and storage device has the third side and the fourth side each has a first crease, a second crease, and a third crease such that when folded form a “v” shape, the bottom of the “v” being closer to the bottom of the receptacle. The waste pick-up and storage device has the edges of the first and second panel have chamfer cuts such that the cuts fit in the “v” shape formed by the first, second, and third creases.
In an embodiment, the first side and the second side of the waste pick-up and storage device each has a cut-out portion and the first panel and the second panel are each attached to the inner surface of respective first and second sides below the cut-out portions. In an embodiment, the flexible receptacle further has a drawstring, such that the drawstring seals the opening of the receptacle. The flexible receptacle can have a drawstring, such that the drawstring seals the opening of the receptacle.
In an embodiment, there is a method for picking up and storing an object without coming into contact with the object using a device having a receptacle and two panels rotatably attached to the receptacle. A user can pick-up and store an object, for example, pet waste, by positioning the receptacle over the object with at least one panel. A receptacle having two panels at least partially attached can be located approximately on either side of the object. The method includes rotating the panels into a position to insert the object into the receptacle. The method includes the user moving, or bringing the two panels towards each other and rotating the panels towards opening of the receptacle such that the two panels lift the object onto the panels and angled towards the inside of the receptacle. The panels can rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the opening of the receptacle. The axis of rotation can be located where the panels are attached to the receptacle. The method also includes inverting the receptacle to hold the object.
In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of: closing and sealing the receptacle. A drawstring can be movably attached to the receptacle for closing and sealing the receptacle.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device has a receptacle and at least one panel having a first portion of the panel attached to the receptacle and a second portion of the panel is detachably attached to the first portion.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device has a flexible receptacle having an opening, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The waste pick-up and storage device has a panel having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being detachably connected to each other. The first portion of the panel of the waste pick-up and storage device is attached to the inner surface of the receptacle such that it provides a support for the flexible receptacle.
In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is not attached to the receptacle. In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is attached to the surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel can be attached to any surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel is removably attached to the receptacle by an adhesive. The adhesive can remain on the receptacle, such that the adhesive can be used to seal the receptacle. The adhesive can include epoxy, glue, tape, and/or coating. A coating can be a sticky coating. The adhesive can adhere the second portion of the panel to the receptacle, such that the second portion of the panel remains attached to the receptacle until the user uses the device.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device has a receptacle having an opening, a first side, a second side opposite the first side and joined to the first side by a seam, a third side that is shorter than the first side and the second side, the third side having creasing such that the receptacle is foldable, and a fourth side that is shorter than the first side and the second side, the fourth side having creasing such that the receptacle is foldable. The waste pick-up and storage device has a panel having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being detachably connected to each other, the first portion of the panel being attached to the inner surface of the first side such that it provides support for the flexible receptacle. In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is not attached to the first portion. The second portion can be detached and positioned inside the receptacle prior to use. The second portion can be removably attached to the receptacle.
In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is not attached to the receptacle. In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is attached to the surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel can be attached to any surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel is removably attached to the receptacle by an adhesive. The adhesive can remain on the receptacle, such that the adhesive can be used to seal the receptacle. The adhesive can include epoxy, glue, tape, and/or coating. A coating can be a sticky coating. The adhesive can adhere the second portion of the panel to the receptacle, such that the second portion of the panel remains attached to the receptacle until the user uses the device. In an embodiment, the device is capable of being folded flat.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device has a flexible receptacle having a four-sided opening, a first wing extending from a first side of the opening, a second wing extending from a second side of the opening. The waste pick-up and storage device has a panel having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being detachably connected to each other. The first portion of the panel of the waste pick-up and storage device is attached to the inner surface of the first side such that it provides support for the flexible receptacle
In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is not attached to the inner surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel can coincide at least in part with the first wing.
In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is not attached to the receptacle. In an embodiment, the second portion of the panel is attached to the surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel can be attached to any surface of the receptacle. The second portion of the panel is removably attached to the receptacle by an adhesive. The adhesive can remain on the receptacle, such that the adhesive can be used to seal the receptacle. The adhesive can include epoxy, glue, tape, and/or coating. A coating can be a sticky coating. The adhesive can adhere the second portion of the panel to the receptacle, such that the second portion of the panel remains attached to the receptacle until the user uses the device. In an embodiment, the device is capable of being folded flat.
In an embodiment, a method for picking up and storing an object without coming into contact with the object using a device having a receptacle and at least one panel having a portion detachably connected to the receptacle includes detaching the portion of the panel. The method includes placing the portion at least one of: underneath and to the side, of the object. The method includes moving the object into the receptacle using the force of the detached portion of the panel such that the entirety of the object is into the receptacle. The portion of the panel remaining inside the receptacle provides structure to the receptacle. The portion remaining in the receptacle can be fixedly attached to the receptacle.
In an embodiment, the detachable portion is pre-detached. In an embodiment, the portion is removably attached to any surface of the receptacle. The portion can be removed from any surface. In an embodiment, an adhesive can be used to removably attach a portion to the bag. The remaining adhesive on the surface of the receptacle can be used to seal the bag after waste pick-up.
In an embodiment, the method includes least one of: closing and sealing the receptacle. A drawstring can be movably attached to the receptacle for closing and sealing the receptacle. The receptacle can include a drawstring, such that the drawstring seals the opening of the receptacle.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device includes a receptacle, the receptacle having a base and four sides, wherein a first and second side are opposite from each other, and a third side is opposite from a fourth side. waste pick-up and storage device includes a cover rotatably attached to the receptacle. In an embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the waste pick-up and storage device are flexible. In an embodiment, a portion of the fourth side of the waste pick-up and storage device encloses the cover. In an embodiment, a portion of the third side of the waste pick-up and storage device is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the third side and substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides. In an embodiment, a portion of the fourth side of the waste pick-up and storage device is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the fourth side and substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.
In an embodiment, the cover of the waste pick-up and storage device has a handle attached to a surface opposite the base of the receptacle. In an embodiment, the cover of the waste pick-up and storage device is inflexible.
In an embodiment, the first and second sides of the waste pick-up and storage device are a first height, the third side is a second height, and the fourth side is a third height. The second height can be larger than the first height. The third height can be larger than the first height. The third height can be larger than the second height, and the second height is larger than the first height.
In an embodiment, the cover of the waste pick-up and storage device is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the third side and substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.
In an embodiment, the third and fourth sides of the waste pick-up and storage device have cutouts. The cutout can be shaped to fit a user's hand. The cutout can be any shape, including, oval, square, rectangular, and circular. In an embodiment, the cutouts on the third and fourth sides are positioned to match each other. The cutouts can be distanced the same amount from the upper edge of the sides, so the user can hold the receptacle using the cutouts.
In an embodiment, the handle of the waste pick-up and storage device is enclosed on one end. In an embodiment, the handle can be a strap. The user can position their hand underneath the strap, and/or wrap the strap around the user's wrist to secure the device to the user's hand.
In an embodiment, the first and second sides of the waste pick-up and storage device each have a reinforcement strip positioned substantially parallel to the first and second sides and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth sides and attached at the first height. The reinforcement strip of the waste pick-up and storage device is inflexible.
In an embodiment, the waste pick-up and storage device has a panel attached to at least a portion of the third side. The panel of the waste pick-up and storage device is inflexible.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device includes a receptacle having an opening, a frame, wherein the frame is attached to the opening of the receptacle, and a cover rotatably attached to the frame and/or receptacle. The cover of the waste pick-up and storage device has a handle attached to a surface opposite the base of the receptacle. In an embodiment, the cover of the waste pick-up and storage device is inflexible. In an embodiment, the frame of the waste pick-up and storage device can be a wire frame. The frame is shaped to match the shape of the cover.
In an embodiment, the waste pick-up and storage device includes a first flap attached to a first side of the frame and/or receptacle and positioned opposite from a second flap attached to a second side of the frame and/or receptacle. In an embodiment, the first flap of the waste pick-up and storage device is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the first side of the frame. In an embodiment, the second flap of the waste pick-up and storage device is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the second side of the frame.
In an embodiment, the first flap of the waste pick-up and storage device has a first height and the second flap has a second height. In an embodiment, the first height can be larger than the second height. In an embodiment, the first and second flaps are flexible.
In an embodiment, the handle of the waste pick-up and storage device is enclosed on one end. In an embodiment, the handle can be a strap. The user can position their hand underneath the strap, and/or wrap the strap around the user's wrist to secure the device to the user's hand.
In an embodiment, the first and second flaps of the waste pick-up and storage device have cutouts. The cutout can be shaped to fit a user's hand. The cutout can be any shape, including, oval, square, rectangular, and circular. In an embodiment, the cutouts on the first and second flaps are positioned to match each other. The cutouts can be distanced the same amount from the upper edge of the sides, so the user can hold the receptacle using the cutouts. In an embodiment, a portion of the first flap of the waste pick-up and storage device encloses the cover.
In an embodiment of the waste pick-up and storage device, the receptacle further includes a drawstring, such that the drawstring seals the opening of the receptacle.
In an embodiment, a waste pick-up and storage device includes a receptacle having a bag having an opening and a frame, wherein the frame is attached to the inside surface of the bag. The device includes a cover rotatably attached to the frame and/or bag. The cover has a handle attached to a surface opposite the base of the bag.
In an embodiment, the frame of the waste pick-up and storage device is positioned in the receptacle such that the bag has a first portion above the frame. In an embodiment, the first portion of the waste pick-up and storage device encloses the cover. In an embodiment, the first portion of the waste pick-up and storage device includes a drawstring.
In an embodiment, a method for picking up and storing an object using a singled-handed device includes rotating a cover to open a receptacle, the receptacle having a base and four sides and a user inverting the receptacle such that the opening is towards an object, wherein the user manipulates the device by a handle attached to the cover. The method includes using the cover to move an object into the receptacle, and inverting the receptacle for storage. The method can also include closing and/or sealing the receptacle. The cover can move the object into the receptacle when the user manipulates a hand to close the cover over the opening. The cover can push, slide, and/or force the object into the opening of the receptacle for storage. In an embodiment, the method includes closing and/or sealing the receptacle for storage.
The term “scoop” is used to describe a tool to propel an object into the device. A scoop can have a flat surface. A scoop can be any shape and thickness. A scoop is preferably thick enough to withstand plastic deformation and/or breakage from use, but not to add significant bulk to the device. For example, a scoop can be about the thickness of cardboard, heavy paper, and/or a hard plastic shell. A scoop can be a panel, flap, and/or cover.
The flaps 112 can be made from an inflexible material, such as cardboard or plastic. The flaps 112 can be planar such that the waste pick-up and storage device can be stored flat. In an embodiment, the flaps 112 are positioned substantially opposite from each other, at or near the opening of the receptacle 116. In an embodiment, the top edge of the flaps 112 can be curved for easier scooping. In an embodiment, the entire flaps 112 can be curved for easier scooping. When the flaps 112 are curved at the edges and/or the entire flaps, the device is bulkier to the user because it does not lay flat.
The receptacle 116 can be made from a flexible material, such as a bag. For example, the receptacle 116 can be made from a conventional plastic bag and/or a paper bag.
The operation of the waste device can be characterized by three states: “empty,” “waste pick-up,” and “storage.”
The object 152 can then be safely stored in the receptacle 116. The waste device is then in a “storing” mode of operation. For example,
The flaps 312 are attached in the position described above such that the portion resting on the side of the crease 352 that extends beyond the two short sides are fixedly attached to the receptacle 316 and the other portion is not attached. The flaps 312 can be fixedly attached to the receptacle 316 by adhesive or mechanical coupling. At least a portion of the flaps 312 can be attached to the receptacle 316 by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. At least a portion of the flaps 312 can be attached by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners. The adhesive or coupling can be determined by the materials of the receptacle 316 and/or the flaps 312. In an embodiment, the portion of the flaps 312 that is not attached has chamfered edges 314.
In the “waste pick-up” mode of operation, the flaps 312 are placed around the object 324 while the flaps 312 are positioned on the inside of the receptacle 316. The flaps 312 can be both rotated toward the opening of the receptacle 316 prior to use, such that the flaps protrude from the opening of the receptacle 316. The user can use the flaps 312 to sweep and/or scoop the litter onto the flaps 312, and rotate the flaps 312 towards the opening of the bag. The edges of the flaps 312 that are in contact with the object 324 and/or the surface upon which the object 324 is resting are then brought towards each other such that they are substantially contacting each other and supporting the object 324. The flaps 312 then rotate around the axis of rotation 352 and 352′ towards the inside surface of the receptacle 316, such that the object 324 is pushed into the receptacle 316. The waste device can then be inverted or rotated into an upright position. The “storage” mode of operation the flaps 312 are positioned inside the receptacle 316 with the object 324 (not shown), as shown in
The side view 330 shows the creases on a shorter side of the receptacle 316 to assist in collapsing the receptacle 316 such that it lies flat. The two shorter sides of the receptacle 316 are symmetric and can have a first diagonal crease 336 that folds outwards away from the interior of the receptacle 316, a second diagonal crease 342 that folds outwards away from the interior of the receptacle 316, and a vertical crease 334 that folds downwards such that edge 332 forms a v-shape to prevent the flaps 312 from catching while transitioning from the “waste pick-up” and “storage” states, as shown in
In a “storage” state, the taller sides 322 having a length of L2 can be brought together to close the container (as shown in side view 350).
The panel 416 is positioned entirely inside the receptacle 412, and dimensioned such that it provides support for the receptacle 412. Panel 416 is at least substantially attached to the inside surface of receptacle 412, and can be attached with adhesive and/or mechanical coupling as described above. At least a portion of the panel 416 can be attached to the receptacle 412 by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. At least a portion of the panel 416 can be attached by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners. In an embodiment, the receptacle 412 has at least one handle 414. The user can tie the handles 414 together to seal the receptacle 412. In an embodiment, the receptacle 412 can have a drawstring for sealing after use. The drawstring can have two ends such that the user seals the receptacle by pulling the drawstrings in substantially opposite directions. In an embodiment, the drawstring can be a single, continuous string. The user can seal the bag by tying the drawing string. In an embodiment, the drawstring can have a mechanical joining, for example, a lockslide, twist tie, and/or other known fasteners to ensure the receptacle remains sealed.
The waste device of
In an embodiment, the waste device of
The panel 518 is positioned entirely inside the receptacle 522, and dimensioned such that it provides support for the receptacle 522. Panel 518 is at least substantially attached to the inside surface of receptacle 522, and can be attached with adhesive and/or mechanical coupling as described above. At least a portion of the panel 518 can be attached to the receptacle 522 by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. At least a portion of the panel 518 can be attached by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, clips, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners.
The panel 634 is positioned entirely inside the receptacle 610, and dimensioned such that it provides support for the receptacle 610. Panel 634 is at least substantially attached to the inside surface of receptacle 610, and can be attached with adhesive and/or mechanical coupling as described above. At least a portion of the panel 634 can be attached to the receptacle 610 by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. At least a portion of the panel 634 can be attached by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners.
A detachable portion of the panel overlaps with at least a portion of the tall side 614 that extends beyond the shorter sides of the receptacle 610. A wing can be a portion of the tall side 614 extending from the side of the opening. The tall sides can have a wing extending from the side of the opening. In an embodiment, the detachable panel 632 is not attached to the inner surface of the receptacle and coincides at least in part with the first wing. The detachable portion can be attached to any location of the receptacle 610. In some an embodiment, the detachable portion can be attached by a removable adhesive. In an embodiment, the detachable portion can be attached to the surface of the receptacle by a removable adhesive. The detachable portion is removed from the adhesive when the receptacle is in waste pick-up mode. Remaining adhesive on the surface of the receptacle 610 can then be used to seal the receptacle after waste pick-up mode.
In an embodiment, in a “storing” mode, the taller sides 614 can be brought together to close the container. In an embodiment, the taller sides 614 can be folded over to prevent spillage. In an embodiment, the taller sides 614 can be sealed to prevent spillage. In an embodiment, the receptacle can be sealed by adhesives or mechanical couplings. In an embodiment, an adhesive can be tape with a removable cover strip, VELCRO, or other conventional methods for sealing containers when desired. The receptacle 610 can be sealed by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. The receptacle can be sealed by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, clips, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners.
A first portion of side 715b can be reinforced with a panel 735. Panel 735 can be equal in height (H1) to sides 715a and 715c. Panel 735 is at least partially attached to side 715b, and can be completely attached by adhesive and/or known mechanical couplings. At least a portion of the panel 735 can be attached by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. At least a portion of the panel 735 can be attached by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, clips, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners. A second portion of side 715b can extend further from height H1 to height H2. The second portion of side 715b can be flexible and rotatable around axis 752. Side 715b can be rotatable around axis 752 so as not to interfere with the user when the device is in waste pick-up mode, for example, as shown in
Side 715d can have a panel 745 at least partially attached to a portion at or above height H1 on side 715d. For example, panel 745 can be a flap, or lid. Panel 745 can rotate around an axis of rotation 750 to cover the opening 720 of the receptacle 705, as shown in
The receptacle can be formed using various means, including but not limited to adhesives and mechanical couplings. In an embodiment, the receptacle can be formed by thermal joining of materials. Examples of adhesives include but are not limited to glue, tape, and epoxy. Examples of mechanical couplings include but are not limited to staples, clips, and other known fasteners.
The frame 815 can be shaped to match a cover 825. For example, the cover 825 and frame 815 can be square, so that all four sides 830a to 830d are equal in length. Cover 825 can have chamfered edges. In an embodiment, cover 825 has scalloped, and/or rounded edges. The cover 825 is attached at one end of the frame 815 and bag 810. Cover 825 can rotate around an axis of rotation 835 to cover the opening 820. The cover 825 can be coupled to the frame 815 and/or bag 810 such that the cover slidably covers the opening 820. For example, the cover 825 can slide closed from one side of frame 815 to the opposite side of frame 815. The cover 825 can be coupled to the frame 815 and/or bag 810 such that the cover pivots around a corner point of frame 815 to cover the opening 820. The axis of rotation 835 is substantially parallel to side 830a. In an embodiment, cover 825 can swivel around an axis to close opening 820. Cover 825 is made of inflexible material, for example, cardboard or hard plastic. Cover 825 simultaneously acts as a cover for the frame 815 and bag 810 as well as a scoop to insert litter into the bag 810.
Flap 845 is attached to side 830c. Flap 845 can be attached to frame 815 and/or bag 810 using adhesive or mechanical joining. Flap 845 can be flexible or inflexible. Flap 845 can rotate about an axis of rotation 850 that is substantially parallel to side 830c. Flap 845 is rotatable around axis 850 so that it does not interfere with the user when the receptacle 805 is in pick-up mode (as shown in
The bag can be sealed using adhesives and/or tying, and/or mechanical joining. In an embodiment, the receptacle can be sealed by adhesives or mechanical couplings. In an embodiment, an adhesive can be tape with a removable cover strip, VELCRO, or other conventional methods for sealing containers when desired. The receptacle 610 can be sealed by any adhesives, including but not limited to glue, epoxy, and tape. The receptacle can be sealed by a mechanical coupling. A mechanical coupling includes, but is not limited to, staples, clips, hooks, closures, and other known fasteners
The bag 810 can have a drawstring to seal the contents. Drawstring 905, as shown in
In an embodiment, a second plastic bag can be attached to the outside of the cover 825 to enclose the opening 825, bag 810, and cover 825 when the receptacle is in storage mode. The second bag can be sealed in the manner as described above.
The an embodiment described herein can be made of materials including but not limited to paper, plastic, and/or metal. For example, receptacles can be made from a flexible plastic bag, and/or a flexible paper bag. The panels and covers can be made from inflexible material, such as plastic, metal, and/or cardboard. In an embodiment, the paper is uncoated. In an embodiment, the paper can be coated. For example, the paper can have a wax coating, coatings to increase durability, and/or coatings to waterproof the paper. The coatings can have antibacterial, anti-odor, and/or disinfectant for the user's benefit. The coating can be a non-stick coating, to prevent residue from remaining on the device. The coating can include baking soda as a deodorant.
The use of the words “object”, “litter”, and “waste” are all examples of any object to be picked up and disposed of by picking it up and isolating it in a receptacle prior to disposal. The use of “sweep”, “push”, “scooped”, and “inserting” are examples of isolating an object into a receptacle. The flaps and/or covers of the embodiment can be manipulated by the user to isolate the object for disposal. The use of “crease”, “fold”, “perforation”, “cut marks”, and “line” are used to describe a material having one or more predefined markings to affect the structure of the material. The use of “detachable” and “removable” are used to describe certain features that can be separated from another feature. The use of “coupled” and “joined” are used to describe that features are connected to one another.
The descriptions and illustrations of the embodiment above should be read as example of a and not limiting. For example, the device can be used for any variety of waste, or any object that can need to be sequestered, such as food. Modifications, variations, and improvements are possible in light of the teachings above and the claims below, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular examples and embodiments, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to those examples and embodiments. The present invention includes variations from the specific examples and embodiments described herein. Except to the extent necessary or inherent in the processes themselves, no particular order to steps or stages of methods or processes described in this disclosure, including the figures is implied. In many cases, the order of process steps may be varied without changing the purpose, effect or import of the methods described.
The subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features, or specific implementations described above. Many other configurations of computing devices, communications features, applications, and distributed software and/or hardware systems can be employed to implement the described invention as claimed. The specific features and methods described above are thus disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims and embodiments, and can be used in combination with and without each other.
Joseph-de Saram, Praveena, Mittermaier, Markus Manfred Helmut
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| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Mar 15 2013 | Poopooh LLC | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
| Oct 10 2014 | MITTERMAIER, MARKUS MANFRED HELMUT | Poopooh LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 034163 | /0523 | |
| Oct 16 2014 | JOSEPH-DE SARAM, PRAVEENA | Poopooh LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 034163 | /0523 |
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